by Michelle
Tue Jul 31, 2012 7:11 am
From: harriet watson [[email protected]]
Sent: 31 July 2012 06:43
To: Michelle Banks
Subject: RE: Request for your Offer at Starflats.co.uk
Here are the necessary things you need to know about the rent and deposit. Rent : £ 320.00 pcm Security Deposit: £ 400.00 (Returnable at the end of 1 month stay in my flat) Utility bills inclusive: water, gas, council tax, electricity,parking space TV license and wireless Internet. Utility Cost : £ 0.00 pcm
However, my flat is fully furnished in and out with all necessary house use and also benefits a secured parking space but i can make it unfurnished if prefer. How many months do you intend to rent and pay for? Kindly reply for further information and i would like to know where you are coming from to stay in my flat.
I look forward to reading from you soon
Regards
Mr/Mrs Watson
The thief will tell you that you can rent his accommodation only if you can prove that you have genuine interest. He will ask you send money by wire transfer (normally Western Union) to yourself or a member of the family to show that you have sufficient finances and that you are not a "time waster".
Another variation of this scam is that you need to send (by Western Union) money in order that the keys and other documents can be couriered to you
He will ask you to send him the transfer details.
Make no mistake ! Western Union Transfers can be picked up virtually anywhere in the world and with the minimum of identification. They are almost impossible to trace once the money has been collected. You will never get to see the accommodation or your money again.
If you are reading this because you are looking for property to rent, and you are in contact with this thief you are probably searching Gumtree or similar listing sites. If you receive any requests from 'Landlords' asking for some kind of payment by Western Union before viewing, then it will also be a scam. Please forward the mail to me at the address in my signature line and I will investigate and list them if necessary.
